Most banks will be closed on Good Friday, but some services stay available

Good Friday is a federal holiday in the United States, which means most banks observe it as a day off. Your local bank branch will be closed, and you won't be able to visit a teller or use the drive-through. However, you can still access your money through ATMs and online banking — those services run 24/7 regardless of the holiday.

The exact closure depends on which bank you use and where you bank. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different holiday schedules than the major national banks. If you're unsure whether your specific bank is closed, call the branch directly or check their website before Good Friday arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank branches close on Good Friday, but ATMs and online banking remain available all day.
  • Check your bank's website or call ahead if you need to know their specific Good Friday hours, since some institutions may differ.
  • Any transactions you make online or at an ATM on Good Friday will typically process the next business day, not when ready.
  • If you need cash or services before the holiday, plan to visit your bank on Thursday or the day before.

What stays open on Good Friday

ATMs work around the clock on Good Friday just like any other day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at any ATM your bank operates or partners with. The transaction will show in your account, though the deposit may not fully process until the next business day.

Online banking and mobile apps also run normally. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, send money to other people, and check your balance from your phone or computer at any time on Good Friday. These transactions may not settle until the next business day, but you can initiate them whenever you need to.

What closes on Good Friday

Physical bank branches shut down completely on Good Friday. You cannot speak to a teller, open a new account, explore for a loan, or handle anything that requires a person behind the counter. If you need a cashier's check, a signature on a document, or help with a problem that requires staff, you'll need to wait until Saturday or Monday depending on whether your bank is open on Saturday.

Wire transfers initiated after business hours on Thursday won't go out until the next business day after the holiday. If you need to send money urgently, send it before the bank closes on Thursday afternoon. The same applies to any service that requires a banker's direct involvement — it waits until the branch reopens.

Planning ahead for Good Friday

If you know you'll need cash, withdraw it on Thursday before your bank closes. Most ATMs have daily withdrawal limits, so if you need a large amount, plan multiple days ahead or visit the branch in person while it's open.

If you need to deposit a check, you can use a mobile deposit through your bank's app on Good Friday itself — take a photo of the front and back of the check and submit it through the app. The check will process the next business day. Some banks also have ATM deposit envelopes if your ATM accepts deposits.

If you're expecting a payment or transfer to arrive, remember that nothing processes on Good Friday. If someone is sending you money and you need it by a specific date, ask them to send it before Thursday or after the holiday.

Different banks, different schedules

Most major banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — close on Good Friday because it's a federal holiday. However, some credit unions, online-only banks, and smaller regional institutions may have different policies. A few banks do not observe all federal holidays.

The best way to know for certain is to check your bank's website or call the branch directly. Search for "[Your Bank Name] Good Friday hours" or look in the mobile app under branch information. If you can't find the answer online, a quick phone call to your local branch will confirm whether they're open.

What happens to payments and transfers on Good Friday

If you schedule a bill payment or transfer to go out on Good Friday, it typically won't actually leave your account until the next business day — which could be Saturday or Monday depending on your bank. Some banks process scheduled transactions the evening before a holiday, while others wait until after the holiday ends.

If you're receiving a payment — like a paycheck or a transfer from someone else — and it's scheduled to arrive on Good Friday, it may arrive on Friday but won't be available to withdraw until the next business day. The money shows up in your account, but the bank hasn't actually settled it yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on Good Friday?

Yes. Your debit card works at stores, restaurants, and online retailers on Good Friday just like any other day. The transaction processes normally. ATM withdrawals also work without any delay.

Will my direct deposit arrive on Good Friday?

Direct deposits scheduled for Good Friday may arrive in your account on that day, but the funds won't be available to withdraw until the next business day. The deposit shows up, but the bank hasn't settled it yet. If your payday falls on Good Friday, contact your employer to confirm when they're sending the deposit.

What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Good Friday?

You'll need to wait until the branch reopens. Some banks offer customer service phone lines on holidays, but they typically handle only urgent issues. Check your bank's website for a holiday customer service number, or plan to visit or call on Saturday or Monday.

Do credit unions close on Good Friday?

Most credit unions close on Good Friday, but not all. Call your credit union directly or check their website to confirm their Good Friday hours. Some smaller credit unions may have different holiday schedules than banks.

Can I still pay my bills on Good Friday?

You can schedule bill payments through online banking on Good Friday, and they'll process the next business day. If you need to pay a bill in person or by phone with a representative, you'll need to do that before Thursday or after the holiday ends.